Word Origin & History

retire 1533, of armies, "to retreat," from M.Fr. retirer "to withdraw (something)," from re- "back" + O.Fr. tirer "to draw" (see tirade). Meaning "to withdraw to some place for the sake of seclusion" is recorded from 1538; sense of "leave an occupation" first attested 1648 (implied in retirement). Meaning "to leave company and go to bed" is from 1670. Baseball sense of "to put out" is recorded from 1874. Retiree is attested from 1945.

Example Sentences for retiring

By 10 A.M. a retiring French battalion marched through, and reported that the line was again being withdrawn.

After retiring to the drawing-room she looked anxiously for the arrival of the gentlemen.

The Germans, retiring before them, were caught by our machine-gun fire.

Bosambo, frankly bored, was all for retiring his men to the comforts of the Ochori city.

On the 21st a stronger counter-attack than usual was repulsed, and in pursuing the retiring enemy they secured the northern edge.

As Jacintha was retiring Edouard called to her to stop a minute.

Always she had been timid and retiring, devoting herself to her father until after his death.

Mr. Ferdinand endeavoured to bow, and ultimately succeeded in retiring.

But Ella was not proud; she was only modest and retiring, and said little to strangers.

We could not stand on the line towards which the troops were now retiring.